Employers including BAE Systems and British Airways expect to recruit new graduate apprentices this year.
In addition, a new framework for the first post-graduate level higher apprenticeship in professional services has been approved, opening up opportunities for employers to recruit and train in accountancy, auditing and tax.
Hancock called on other employers and training providers to follow suit by creating new opportunities for people to gain world-class training through higher apprenticeships.
Changes have been made to the standard (the Specification of Apprentices Standards for England - SASE) to include level six and seven apprenticeships - equivalent to bachelors and masters degrees. These changes will come into effect on 6 April 2013, and mean that apprenticeships can better support the development of high-level technical skills necessary for growth.
Hancock said: "Britain's prosperity depends on the high-level skills that create world-beating products and services. By creating new apprenticeships at degree level and above, the Government is sending a clear signal that practical learning is a viable route to the professions.
"Apprenticeships deliver and offer the ideal opportunity for ambitious young people and adults to get ahead while earning a wage - and for employers to recruit the brightest and best recruits."
Sara Caplan, partner, PwC said: "Access to career opportunities in professional services has been transformed by Higher Apprenticeship development.
"It levels the playing field for employers of all sizes, and recruits, to build business skills that are vital to supporting UK and growth, and stay with you for a lifetime."
"Other sectors, including nursing, healthcare, life-sciences, civil engineering, construction operations management and actuaries have expressed interest in developing apprenticeships at postgraduate level."
In November HR magazine held a Live Web TV debate on the skills gap in the UK. This is still available to view and you can also take part in the research.
